Karen McCombie – författare

Sisters – one of the closest relationships in the world? Megan and Sarah would not agree…MEGAN'S STORY: Megan is constantly in her big sister's shadow. Prettier, smarter, funnier, Sarah has it all; the adoration of their parents, a great group of friends, talent, and – of course – Conor. Megan struggles to retain her identity as she tries to turn the tables on her lucky, gifted sibling. But is the pecking order ever going to change?SARAH'S STORY: Now we see the sisterly relationship from Sarah's point of view, and slowly, it begins to dawn on the reader that things are not quite as they seem. Could it be that Megan’s perspective is not quite as accurate as originally perceived?

Sisters – one of the closest relationships in the world? Megan and Sarah wouldn’t agree…MEGAN'S STORY: Megan is constantly in her big sister's shadow. Prettier, smarter, funnier, Sarah has it all; the adoration of their parents, a great group of friends, talent, and – of course – Conor. Megan struggles to retain her identity as she tries to turn the tables on her lucky, gifted sibling. But is the pecking order ever going to change?SARAH'S STORY: Now we see the sisterly relationship from Sarah's point of view, and slowly, it begins to dawn on the reader that things are not quite as they seem. Could it be that Megan’s perspective is not quite as accurate as originally perceived?

Build your child’s reading confidence at home with books at the right levelWhen Flora dreams of happiness, she doesn’t expect to be thrown on to the back of a great, black bull! But as Flora and the bull travel from glen to glen, is the silent beast all that he seems?Ruby/Band 14 books give increasing opportunities for children to develop their skills of inference and deduction.Text type: A traditional taleCurriculum links: English: fairy stories, myths and legends; books from other cultures and traditionsThis book has been quizzed for Accelerated Reader.

Cousins Yasmin and Ruby have always been rivals, but both sides of the story are exposed in this cleverly composed clean-teen novella from Karen McCombie. Ruby can’t stand her “perfect” cousin Yasmin. Yasmin is pretty, popular and has a gorgeous boyfriend Max. She’s set to get excellent grades in her GCSEs and her parents won’t stop going on about how brilliant she is.Ruby always feel small and hopeless around Yasmin, and whenever she gets any attention, Yasmin tries to make sure the spotlight turns back to her.Or that’s how Ruby feels anyway. But is there another side to the story? Particularly suitable for readers aged 11+ with a reading age of 7.

Angels Next Door is a gorgeous new magical friendship series for 8+ readers by bestselling author, Karen McCombie.Riley's best friend has gone away forever and Lauren 'Queen of Everything' Mayhew is making school a nightmare. It looks like Riley's on her own, until the three Angelos Sisters move in next door.Her new neighbours are . . . different. Colourful and sparkly, they stand out. It's not just their names or how they dress - there's something magical about them. And since they arrived there have been loads of strange coincidences.Who are these new girls and what's with all the glitter?'A wonderful, funny, heart-warming and comforting tale . . . will be a success with female readers aged 9 and upwards' The School LibrarianAbout the author:Bestselling author Karen McCombie trained as a magazine journalist in her native Scotland before moving to London. After several years working on teen favourites Just 17 and Sugar, she turned to fiction, with her first series, Ally's World, becoming an instant success. In total she's had more than 70 books published and translated around the world, and more than a million books sold.Karen lives in North London with her very Scottish husband Tom, her sunshiney daughter Milly, a demented cat called Dizzy and Biscuit, the button-obsessed hamster.

The second book in the gorgeous new magical friendship series, Angels Next Door, by bestselling author Karen McCombieRiley's life has changed a lot since she discovered the Angelos sister's secret. You see her new neighbours are a little bit . . . magical. They know things that no-one else does and that's why she thinks they can help her find out about mum.But just as she's about to get some answers, mysterious events start happening at school. As things get stranger and stranger, Riley begins to suspect that they're the only ones who can work out what or who is behind them.Who are these new girls and what's with all the glitter? 'A wonderful, funny, heart-warming and comforting tale . . . will be a success with female readers aged 9 and upwards' The School LibrarianAbout the author:Bestselling author Karen McCombie trained as a magazine journalist in her native Scotland before moving to London. After several years working on teen favourites Just 17 and Sugar, she turned to fiction, with her first series, Ally's World, becoming an instant success. In total she's had more than 70 books published and translated around the world, and more than a million books sold.Karen lives in North London with her very Scottish husband Tom, her sunshiney daughter Milly, a demented cat called Dizzy and Biscuit, the button-obsessed hamster.Also available: Angels Next Door, Angels in Training and don't miss Angels Like Me

Angels Like Me is the third title in the enchanting and magical friendship series from bestselling author Karen McCombie that began with Angels Next Door.Riley's best friends, the Angelo sisters, are special. Sparkly, strange and full of secrets . . Life at home is tricky for Riley Roberts. She misses her mum and wants to learn more about her. But Dad is as secretive as ever.She hopes the sisters can work their magic and help her find out the truth. But Riley is about to discover something more magical than she could have imagined - something that could bring her closer to her mum and answer her questions at last.About the author:Bestselling author Karen McCombie trained as a magazine journalist in her native Scotland before moving to London. After several years working on teen favourites Just 17 and Sugar, she turned to fiction, with her first series, Ally's World, becoming an instant success. In total she's had more than 70 books published and translated around the world, and more than a million books sold. Karen lives in North London with her very Scottish husband Tom, her sunshiney daughter Milly, a demented cat called Dizzy and Biscuit, the button-obsessed hamster. Angels Like Me is the third title in her Angels Next Door series.www.karenmccombie.comAlso available: Angels Next Door (book 1)Angels In Training (book 2)Angels Like Me (book 3)

Frank is shy and worried about making friends at his new school. He finds a special stone, and names it Stanley. But what will Frank's new classmates think of Stanley Stone? Oxford Reading Tree All Stars is an engaging chapter fiction series which combines age-appropriate content with imaginative stories, perfect for inspiring and stretching able infants. The series develops comprehension skills and provides a wide variety of fiction topics and styles, alongside illustrations that aid understanding.All the books in this series are carefully levelled, so it's easy to match every child to the right book - one which will develop their reading skills and fuel their love of reading. Help with children's reading development is also available at www.oxfordowl.co.uk.

Nominated for the 2020 CILIP Carnegie MedalBridie lives on the remote Scottish island of Tornish, the youngest of three sisters. Although she loves her island, with its wild seas and big skies, she guiltily nurses a secret dream of flight - to America and the freedom of the New World. But her family are struggling under the spiteful oppression of the new Laird, and it seems that even some of the Laird's own household are desperate to leave. When the Laird's full cruelty becomes apparent, there's no more time for daydreams as Bridie needs to help the people she loves escape to safety.Cover and chapter head illustrations by Jasu Hu. Map illustration by Hannah Horn.The first in a gripping, dramatic new series from much-loved author, Karen McCombie."This involving, evocative tale, narrated by Bridie with a hint of period language, is a study of rich and poor, offering clearly-drawn characters."- Nicolette Jones, Sunday Times, Children's Book of the Week "There's heart in this Scottish adventure. . . This is (Karen's) best. It has a vivid setting, emotional punch and characters to really care about." - Alex O'Connell, The Times, Children's Book of the Week"It may all seem a far cry from the "slushy, gushy love songs" of Ally's World. And yet here, as there, McCombie displays her gift, which is to create a narrator who sounds thoroughly convincing, and to inhabit the consciousness of a child." Emily Bearn, The Telegraph"Little Bird Flies by Karen McCombie is the evocative and beautifully written tale of Bridie (Little Bird) who dreams of a bigger life than the one she's destined for on her tiny Scottish isle of Tornish. With themes of immigration and prejudice and characters you'll root for, this will appeal to fans of Emma Carroll and Marie-Louise Jensen." - Michelle Harrison, author of A Pinch of Magic

Can Meg find her sunshine smile again? A wonderfully warm and wise story about new families and new relationships from bestelling author Karen McCombie. Meg is the girl with the sunshine smile. That's what they call her at the wedding fairs where she models her mum's dresses. But then Mum meets Danny. Danny, with the grotty houseboat, four sons and a three-legged cat. All of a sudden, Meg's life clouds over. Will Meg ever find her sunshine smile again? A brand-new low reading age edition of a wonderfully warm and wise story about new families and new relationships from bestselling author Karen McCombie. Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 7.

Pioneering aviatrix Dolly Shepherd comes alive in this thrilling reimagining of her death-defying exploits from bestelling author Karen McCombie. When sixteen-year-old Dolly Shepherd is offered the chance to take to the sky in a hot-air balloon, there’s no way she’s going to turn it down. Even though the pilot actually plans for her to jump out of the balloon and plummet back to earth using just a flimsy parachute.For Dolly, it’s the start of a sensational career. But the life of an aeronaut is as dangerous as it is daring, and there will be many narrow escapes along the way … Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Granny’s hunt for the perfect pet brings some unexpected results in this goofy adventure of family, mudlarking and mayhem. Zac and Essie have been helping their Granny Mo in her search for the perfect pet. She’s tried everything from cats to axolotls and just can’t find the right one. But when the trio go mudlarking in the river bank they find a creature unlike anything else … Granny Mo might have set out looking for a pet but now she’s got a monster on her hands, and it’s about to get up to some mischief! Particularly suitable for readers aged 7+ with a reading age of 7.

Who said friends have to match to matter?When the Star Boy's space-pod crashes in the grounds of Fairfield Academy he knows he must seek shelter. Taking refuge in the school's boiler room to await rescue he discovers that the room's small window is the perfect place to watch humans go by.The Star Boy knows about humans from his Earth lessons but no one from his planet has ever studied them up close. Now he has the perfect opportunity. There are two humans in particular that catch his attention - a boy called Wes and a girl named Kiki. But as his curiosity grows so does his courage and, making a momentous decision, the Star Boy follows Wes and Kiki into class . and into their lives.A warm and otherworldly story about finding friendship in the most unlikely of places, for fans of Tamsin Winter, Cath Howe and Ross Welford.

Life isn't easy, especially if you're from another planet.With his space-pod destroyed, the Star Boy is adapting to life on Earth with help from his friends Kiki and Wes, but Kiki's long list of don'ts is a constant reminder of how hard it is to pass for a convincing human.But more troubling for the Star Boy is the strange pings and pangs he's experiencing, and the hard-to-hide electrical surges that are worrying his human rescuers. And when the Star Boy accidentally channels his true form on to the whiteboard of every class at Riverside Academy, things reach a whole new level of panic. With frenzied reports of an alien sighting trending on social media, how can Kiki and Wes keep their friend safe?A heart-warming and otherworldly sequel to HOW TO BE A HUMAN, for fans of Tamsin Winter, Cath Howe and Ross Welford.

Fagin’s infamous gang comes to life once again in this exciting Oliver Twist-inspired adventure set in the streets of Victorian London from bestselling author Karen McCombie. Orphan Ettie Shaw is penniless and homeless on the streets of London when she is spotted by her older brother Joe.Joe has fallen in with a notorious pickpocket gang run by a man called Fagin, and Ettie has to disguise herself as a boy so she can come back with him to Fagin’s lair.At first Ettie is able to help out with mending and other domestic jobs, but when one of the other boys falls ill, Fagin demands that Ettie go out pickpocketing with Joe and everything goes horribly wrong … Particularly suitable for readers aged 9+ with a reading age of 8.

A smashed china dragon helps Tyra to bond with her new classmates in this touching tale from bestselling author Karen McCombie. Tyra gets off to a tough start at her new school. She’s loud and different and nobody seems to be particularly friendly. So when her nan gives her a beautiful china snow dragon, Tyra decides to take it to school, hoping that people will think it’s interesting and talk to her. But disaster strikes and the beautiful dragon is smashed. Can Tyra find a way to repair her treasure while also making some new friends along the way? Particularly suitable for readers aged 7+ with a reading age of 7.

Seth learns some important life lessons when he's transported back to Ancient Egypt in this absorbing time-slip adventure. While awaiting punishment in his headmaster’s office for his latest piece of mischief, prankster Seth picks up an Egyptian amulet from the desk and is whisked back in time to Ancient Egypt. In a village by the Nile, Seth finds a place for himself, working for the local tradesmen and playing with the local children. One of his new friends, Mery, has a pet hyena that Seth grows to love, so when he hears that the hyena is going to be roasted as part of a feast for the visiting pharaoh, Seth decides to save him. But what consequences will Seth have to face for stealing the pharaoh’s lunch? Particularly suitable for readers aged 7+ with a reading age of 7.

Book Band: Dark Blue, ideal for ages 9+A heart-warming story about friendship and finding your place in the world set in an urban city, ideal for children practising their reading at home or in school.Twelve-year-old JoJo is going through a difficult time: his dad has lost his job, his best friends have completely forgotten he exists, and he’s even developed an annoying nervous tick. So when he and his dad move into a new flat, the last thing he needs is a scary new neighbour! This contemporary mystery features black-and-white illustrations.The Bloomsbury Readers series is packed with book-banded stories to get children reading independently in Key Stage 2 by award-winning authors like double Carnegie Medal winner Geraldine McCaughrean and Waterstones Prize winner Patrice Lawrence. With engaging illustrations and online guided reading notes written by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE), this series is ideal for home and school. For more information visit www.bloomsburyreaders.com.'Any list that brings together such a quality line up of authors is going to be welcomed … Bloomsbury Readers are aimed squarely at children in Key Stage 2 and designed to support them as they start reading independently and while they continue to gain confidence and understanding.' Books for Keeps

London, 1914. Fred Müller’s life is turned upside down when his dad is taken away by the police - suddenly his family are the enemy because of where they come from. A thrilling coming of age tale about World War One, perfect for fans of Emma Carroll and Hilary McKay. Fred Müller is very popular at school – his mum and dad have a baker’s shop, so he always has lots of great cakes and sweet treats to share amongst his friends! But it’s 1914 and war with Germany is looming. The newspapers are crammed full of stories about German citizens being spies. Out of the blue, the baker’s shop window is smashed and suddenly Fred's family are being treated as the enemy.Things soon move from bad to worse, when Fred's father is taken and interned in the nearby Alexandra Palace. Money is running out, and people of German heritage are told they should be “sent home”. But Britain is home to Fred and his family. Is everyone against them, or can Fred and his mother find glimmers of kindness and hope in these terrible times?Based on historical events, this beautiful tale is perfect to explore themes of refuge, kindness and empathy with children aged 9+, from one of the UK's most beloved children's authors, Karen McCombie.

Meet Wanda:Things about me. . .• I don’t go to school (even though I’m 12)• I have ADHD (my mum says I don’t)• Me and my mum travel around the world (with backpacks)• I’m homesick (for a home that doesn’t exist)• I’ve just discovered a HUGE secret (and I need to find out if it’s true)Maybe it’s time for me to have an adventure of my own…(why don’t you come with me!)Meet Margo:Dear Diary,You’ll never guess what, but something mind-melting has just happened to my family – or should I say a SOMEONE happened!#MargotInShock #WishMeLuck

Alfie and Kat’s school trip takes an unexpected turn when they’re whisked back to a Viking village in this exciting time-slip adventure from bestselling author Karen McCombie. Things take a weird turn for Alfie and Kat when they get separated from the rest of their group on a school trip to the Viking Museum. The models around them start to come to life, and at first Kat is sure they’re being pranked for a TV game show.She urges Alfie to play along, and they take part in Viking village life – cooking, weaving and even digging a toilet pit. But will they ever be able to find their way back home? Particularly suitable for readers aged 7+ with a reading age of 7.

When Dani's mum gets the chance to study penguins in the Antarctic, she decides the best place for eleven-year-old Dani is a strict girls' boarding school where - uh-oh! - students wear smart uniforms that includes SKIRTS! Having failed to change Mum's mind, Dani finds herself having to say goodbye to Granny Viv, her dog Downboy and best friend Arch. But when they arrive at St Grizelda's it seems that there's been some drastic changes; gone are the uniforms and the rules, and in are chaos, anarchy and, er, goats. Surely Mum's not going to leave her at the mercy of a crazy head-butting goat, a bunch of eight-year-olds masquerading as mutant goblins and a head teacher wearing a crown of picnic cutlery?But as a homesick Dani waits for Mum to make alternative arrangements, the madness of St Grizzle's begins to warm Dani's heart.With a definite whiff of St Trinian's about it, St Grizzle's is a laugh-out-loud middle grade read by best-selling author Karen McCombie, perfect for fans of A Murder Most Unladylike and Scarlet and Ivy.

When local schools are asked to make a film showcasing the surrounding area, Dani and the rest of St Grizzle's set to work. But Spencer and his mates at the village school are determined to sabotage the work of the smelly Grizzlers.To Dani's surprise, help comes in the form of Granny Viv who has secretly taken up residence in the school's tree house with Downboy the dog. Together they come up with the perfect ghostly video ... but will Granny Viv be able to stay once the competition's over?

When the village school floods, Lulu invites the staff and pupils to St Grizzle’s, which means Dani and her friends have to share lessons with Spencer and his cronies. Before long pupils clash with pupils and even the teachers’ tempers are fraying. Then rehearsals get underway for the school show – but it’s all shaping up to be one big disaster!